Field of jobs await agriculture students

"Students should come dressed professionally with r‚sum‚s in hand," said Bobby Browning, coordinator for career placement and multicultural affairs for the College of Agriculture.

Undergraduate and graduate students will have the opportunity to interview with 26 agricultural companies and associations, Browning said.

"These people are coming here to employ our students," Browning said. "Students will get a chance to talk to employers about internships and full-time jobs."

Kate Norris, animal sciences senior, said she is planning to make job contacts tomorrow.

"I'd like to find out what opportunities are available to me in animal science or agriculture in general, Norris said.

"I was disappointed in the Career Fair put on by Career Services last semester."

Norris said she is hoping since this event is agriculture-focused, she will have better luck at finding leads on future employers.

Browning said students can expect companies to be doing on-the-spot interviews. Several job placements have resulted in the past from the career event.

"Students should expect to have a lot of opportunities to interact with the public and private sectors," said Jonathan Schmitt, student regent for the University of Arizona and agriculture and resources economics senior.

Students will be able to determine what businesses are looking for in possible employees, he said.

"Bring your r‚sum‚, be open and put your best foot forward," is Schmitt's advice to agriculture students.

"Display confidence in yourself and in your abilities," he said.

Karen Salyers, a credit analyst in the agri-business division at Bank One, will be looking for students with a "sincere interest in agriculture itself."

"We're looking for students interested in the finance end of agriculture," Salyers said.

She said Bank One will be taking r‚sum‚s and handing out business cards for possible internships this summer.

Browning said he expects about 400 students to come to the third annual event. The past two years have brought an average of 200 to 300 students.

The agriculture career event is being sponsored by the College of Agriculture.